The Neuro Experience

Gut Expert: Eating THIS Everyday Protects The Gut from Diseases | Dr Karan

Mar 24, 2026
Guest
Karan Rajan
Dr Karan Rajan, NHS-trained surgeon and gut health researcher who founded Loam Science, talks fiber, the collapsing microbiome and rising colorectal cancer in young people. He covers how different diets and drugs harm gut diversity. Practical focuses include why varied plant fibers matter, how lifestyle factors like sleep and stress affect the gut, and the science behind prebiotics versus probiotics.
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ADVICE

Avoid Prolonged Zero Fiber Diets

  • Avoid long-term zero-fiber diets like strict carnivore without supervision because bacteria shift to protein fermentation and can damage the gut lining.
  • Protein fermentation yields ammonia, indoles and p-cresol which are pro-inflammatory and toxic, warns Karan Rajan.
INSIGHT

Medications Often Harm The Microbiome

  • Common medications (NSAIDs, PPIs, antibiotics) disrupt gut microbiome and can increase permeability and dysbiosis.
  • NSAIDs raise GI bleeding risk and PPIs reduce stomach acid allowing overgrowth and translocation, says Karan Rajan.
ADVICE

Use Microbiome Tests To Track Your Own Progress

  • Use microbiome tests only to track change against your own baseline rather than to judge absolute health.
  • Metagenomic tests are deeper than 16S, but results vary between companies so compare yourself over time, says Karan Rajan.
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